Dynamic Metamaterials for Haptic Acoustic Field Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic systems using individually actuated transducers are expensive, prone to failure, and require complex assembly processes, limiting acoustic versatility and transducer density, while existing metamaterials only incorporate static structures, which restricts dynamic control of acoustic fields.
Innovation Solution
The use of dynamic metamaterials with reconfigurable structures, such as tortuous path metamaterials, that can change phase and amplitude through mechanical or electrical actuation, allowing for efficient manipulation of acoustic waves without requiring complex transducer signaling, enabling the creation of focused acoustic fields with reduced transducer elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individually actuated transducers are used to create acoustic fields, then acoustic versatility and control precision are improved, but system cost, complexity, and susceptibility to failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces metamaterial structures as intermediary elements between the transducers and the acoustic field. These metamaterials with dynamically reconfigurable unit cells act as mediators that manipulate acoustic wave propagation, enabling complex acoustic field control with fewer transducers. The metamaterial layer transforms the acoustic waves from simple transducer outputs into complex focused or directed sound fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the metamaterial structures multi-functional by enabling dynamic reconfiguration of unit cell properties. The same physical metamaterial structure can be reconfigured to perform different acoustic functions (focusing, directing, filtering) by changing the state of its unit cells, replacing the need for multiple specialized transducer arrays.
2Manufacturing precision
If a large number of transducers are deployed to achieve desired acoustic field configuration, then acoustic control precision is improved, but system cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acoustic control function between the transducer layer and the metamaterial layer. Rather than requiring each transducer to independently control fine acoustic details, the transducers provide basic acoustic energy while the segmented metamaterial unit cells handle precise acoustic field shaping. This segmentation allows standard transducer manufacturing while achieving precision through metamaterial geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves acoustic field control by changing physical parameters of the metamaterial unit cells (geometry, orientation, material properties) rather than changing transducer positions or adding more transducers. This parameter-based control approach simplifies manufacturing as the metamaterial can be fabricated as an integrated structure with predetermined unit cell configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transducers are positioned in non-uniform or irregular patterns to optimize haptic feedback, then haptic effect quality is improved, but assembly cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning transducers in complex irregular patterns to achieve desired acoustic fields, the patent inverts the approach by using regularly positioned transducers combined with irregularly patterned metamaterial structures. The complexity is shifted from transducer positioning to metamaterial design, which can be manufactured as an integrated structure rather than assembled piece-by-piece.
4Ease of manufacture
If static metamaterial structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but dynamic control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics into the metamaterial structure by making the unit cell properties reconfigurable. The metamaterial can transition between different states (e.g., different unit cell geometries or orientations) to adapt to different acoustic control requirements. This dynamic capability is achieved through mechanisms like movable elements, changeable material properties, or reconfigurable structures within each unit cell.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the number of transducer elements needed, enhances acoustic versatility, and achieves efficient control of haptic feedback and acoustic fields, offering cost savings and improved system efficiency by dynamically modifying the metamaterial properties to mimic the behavior of multiple transducers with a single or few powerful sources.
Implementation Method 1
an array of transducers is actuated to produce an ultrasonic acoustic field that then induces a haptic effect
Implementation Method 2
by focusing at a point, acoustic waves with increased power are created and can be used to generate a constant force
Implementation Method 3
The force generated is small but naturally non-contact. Further applications of the non-contact forces may also lead to commercially viable devices
Data Source
AI summary
The properties of metamaterials are derived both from the inherent properties of their constituent materials and from the geometrical arrangement of those materials. Metamaterials may be stacked or otherwise manipulated to transform substantially monochromatic signal into a second signal having a desired amplitude and phase. Metamaterials may be used with acoustic devices to create haptic feedback with desired properties or to transform the shape of certain devices. Metamaterials may be used in rotating devices with openings that transform a monochromatic signal into a non-monochromatic signal.